I have been reading a bit about this lately and am considering giving this a go. Like anything I do related to extreme dietary changes, I will (and have to some extent) discuss this with my doctor. But I want to hear what the wise members of the B&B Mess Hall have to say also.
Like a growing number of Americans these days I suffer from what is called Metabolic Syndrome. I call it being fat and unhealthy. I am on several medications for hypertension, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, and seasonal allergies (that seem to last year long). I want to get off of these if possible. The insulin resistance is the big one. Because it makes it very difficult to lose weight...which seems to be the key to solving many of these issues.
My doctor is wonderful...she is really helpful with attacking these issues. All my numbers have been going in the right directions (except the triglycerides...we are starting to think that might be a hereditary issue).
But to the issue of the post. It seems that the standard burn more calories than you put in approach is an over-simplification of how weight loss really works...at least in me. Because of my insulin resistance, fewer calories and more exercise doesn't cut it...and yes I have tried...with the watchful eye of my doctor. Carbohydrates (sugar and wheat) has just about killed the western culture altogether (we just haven't actually died yet). And I am not the exception. Carbs...just about any of them...no matter if they are complex or not...seem to pack on the pounds. When I go to a strict low carb diet I seem to do better...but it's more of a maintenance thing at that point. I just don't lose the weight. And I get frustrated and then start loading up on eating whatever I want.
Anyway...I have been reading a lot about the Ketogenic Diet. If you don't know what this is...in a nutshell it is a High Healthy Fat - Moderate Protein - and Low Carbohydrate diet. "The keto diet generally shuns sugar, processed foods, low-fat foods, grains and gluten, high-carb fruit, and vegetable oils. Instead, followers are encouraged to eat plenty of non-starchy vegetables, lean meats and fish, full-fat dairy, and nuts and seeds."
Some of the illnesses that a keto diet claims to help prevent are: Epilepsy, Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Chronic Inflammation, High Blood Sugar Levels, Obesity, Heart Disease, Polycystic Ovary, Syndrome, Fatty Liver Disease, Cancer, Migraines.
Some other things a keto diet claims to improve are: Better brain function, A decrease in inflammation, An increase in energy, Improved body composition.
There is a lot of legitimate research out there on this type of diet. But like anything...nothing is definite.
Anyway...if you have read through this extremely long post and have anything to offer...I would gladly appreciate your thoughts.
Like a growing number of Americans these days I suffer from what is called Metabolic Syndrome. I call it being fat and unhealthy. I am on several medications for hypertension, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, and seasonal allergies (that seem to last year long). I want to get off of these if possible. The insulin resistance is the big one. Because it makes it very difficult to lose weight...which seems to be the key to solving many of these issues.
My doctor is wonderful...she is really helpful with attacking these issues. All my numbers have been going in the right directions (except the triglycerides...we are starting to think that might be a hereditary issue).
But to the issue of the post. It seems that the standard burn more calories than you put in approach is an over-simplification of how weight loss really works...at least in me. Because of my insulin resistance, fewer calories and more exercise doesn't cut it...and yes I have tried...with the watchful eye of my doctor. Carbohydrates (sugar and wheat) has just about killed the western culture altogether (we just haven't actually died yet). And I am not the exception. Carbs...just about any of them...no matter if they are complex or not...seem to pack on the pounds. When I go to a strict low carb diet I seem to do better...but it's more of a maintenance thing at that point. I just don't lose the weight. And I get frustrated and then start loading up on eating whatever I want.
Anyway...I have been reading a lot about the Ketogenic Diet. If you don't know what this is...in a nutshell it is a High Healthy Fat - Moderate Protein - and Low Carbohydrate diet. "The keto diet generally shuns sugar, processed foods, low-fat foods, grains and gluten, high-carb fruit, and vegetable oils. Instead, followers are encouraged to eat plenty of non-starchy vegetables, lean meats and fish, full-fat dairy, and nuts and seeds."
Some of the illnesses that a keto diet claims to help prevent are: Epilepsy, Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Chronic Inflammation, High Blood Sugar Levels, Obesity, Heart Disease, Polycystic Ovary, Syndrome, Fatty Liver Disease, Cancer, Migraines.
Some other things a keto diet claims to improve are: Better brain function, A decrease in inflammation, An increase in energy, Improved body composition.
There is a lot of legitimate research out there on this type of diet. But like anything...nothing is definite.
Anyway...if you have read through this extremely long post and have anything to offer...I would gladly appreciate your thoughts.